yellow bus tour london

On Hold. Update Coming 2024

Classic Sightseeing Tour

Sit back and let us show you a selection of central London’s best loved sights

City of London Tour

The ancient city, packed with world renowned landmarks.

D-Day Duck Tour

A road-only tour to whisk you back to the blitz and tell the story of the Normandy beach landings

Pirate Treasure Hunt Tour

Solve the pirate-themed puzzles in order to snatch the treasure from under your opponent’s noses!

James Bond Tour

Simply Bond, Fleming and spies. Nobody does it better!

Code Breaker Challenge

Work as team to crack the secret code and stop London’s Tourist Attractions from being stolen!

A Quackmas Carol

A festive Charles Dickens themed tour for all the family. The perfect Christmas land and river adventure.

An Amazing Amphibious Adventure!

Please note that we are no longer able to operate our usual range of sightseeing tours due to Thames Water’s compulsory purchase of our slipway to build the next phase of the Thames Tunnel super sewer.

Watch this space, as we intend to be in a position to give an update on events in 2024.

Hop aboard one of London Duck Tours’ distinctive yellow vehicles and see some of London’s most talked-about sights, learn interesting facts about the city, and be entertained by an action-packed live commentary.

It’s terrific fun for everyone, whether it’s with the kids, an activity for family or friends, a special occasion, a corporate event or even a wedding party!

We are currently offering a choice of three fabulous fun-packed sightseeing and themed tours, all private-hire and road-only, including our ever popular Classic Sightseeing Tour and City Tour plus the historical D-Day Duck Tour.  Which one will you choose? Tap  here  to explore.

All our private-hire tours can leave from Belvedere Road, Waterloo, London, SE1 which is near to the London Eye (between Jubilee Gardens and The Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall) and a short walk from Waterloo tube and rail stations. Alternatively we can work with your to design your private hire tour around your pick up and drop off requirements. Tap  here  to view a map.

The Ducks, originally used in the Second World War, have been completely rebuilt from scratch and modified to meet the stringent safety regulations set by the road and river authorities.

All commentaries are presented in English by a live tour guide.

Update Coming 2024

Book Online

Tour departures are from our stop at Green Park, just next to the Ritz hotel by Green Park underground station. We operate every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.

Use our booking system below to book your tickets for your See London By Night Tour. Shortly after booking you will get a confirmation email, which you will need to bring along with you as confirmation of your purchase. Tickets can also be purchased when boarding the bus. If you have any problems making a booking please do not hesitate to get in contact with us via [email protected] or +44 (0)207 183 4744 .

Tickets are £29 per Adult and £16 per Child (5-15) or Family £78 (2A+2C). No charge for children under 5’s.

Ask Us a Question

Hop-on hop-off London London Discovery

Tootbus London Discovery allows you to get a first overview of London's top landmarks and attractions in a day.

• Explore London at your own pace across 3 routes and over 40 stops
• See London's top landmarks
• Get stunning views and capture amazing shots
• Learn key facts about London through the audio guide

Departures every day from Monday to Sunday

Yellow route:  First departure from stop 1  08:30AM  - Last departure from stop 1  08:00PM | 07:00PM 

Blue route:  First departure   from stop 15 08:30AM  - Last departure from stop 15  06:20PM

Green route:  First departure from stop 38  08:41AM  - Last departure from stop 38  05:30PM  | 05:21PM (16 Sept-3 Nov)

Buses every  20-30 mins  on the Yellow route and Blue route |  30-40 mins  on the Green route

Overview Hop-on hop-off London

Check out all the wonderful things London has to offer in a day when you hop on board the Tootbus London Discovery tour! Make your way around, experience the heart of the city and see London's top landmarks from the open-top deck of the bus including; Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Notting Hill, Marble Arch and many more. To see Buckingham Palace in all its glory, we recommend hopping off at stop 19 and turn left onto Spur Road.

Board the bus to take advantage of the incredible views of the capital from above and pinpoint all the places you want to see up close . Follow your hit list, hop-off at the nearest bus stop and explore more in depth.

Our London bus tours are the best way to easily go from one landmark to another, whether you choose to see the Crown Jewels at Tower of London, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace or climb the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. Food lovers may find a piece of paradise at Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London. As the day falls, opt for a ride on the London Eye or enjoy for a fun night out in Soho.  

Don't forget to speak to our knowledgeable and enthusiastic local experts . They will guide you across the city and give you the best insights! If you are traveling with children, try our child friendly channel available in English and French, it will keep them entertained!  

Upon first validation, your ticket is valid 24 or 48 hours; according to the option booked. You can hop-on hop-off, for an unlimited number of times within the validity period. Your ticket gives you access to our 3 routes in London.   

Complete your experience with a night tour of London to admire the city shining as night falls. You can also combine your hop-on hop-off bus tour with a cruise on the Thames . For a family outing that will please the youngest, embark on the Kids tour and let them discover London with educational and entertaining commentaries. For a romantic date, a night with friends or just for an original experience, hop-on the Bar Bus and take a drink while enjoying breathtaking views.   

🎄🎁 Christmas Day Special 🎁🎄

See London on its most magical day of the year this Christmas on board our Christmas Day London Discovery tour ! If you are spending time in the capital on 25 December this year, soak up the Christmas spirit on board our open-top double decker bus as it cruises along London's most famous landmarks on the Blue route . Enjoy the calmness of London on this special day as the city sees much reduced traffic and crowds. Hop-on and off and walk off those festive treats at any location on the Blue route between 9am and 5pm. Select 'Christmas Day' as the ticket option for a one-of-a-kind experience.   

Know before you go Hop-on hop-off London

Christmas day tours, routes & service.

Yellow Route Whilst on-board, we will take you past Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Downing Street and Borough Market, etc. Blue Route Whilst on-board, we will take you past Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tower of London, Downing Street, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Harrods, the museums, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, Notting Hill, Marble Arch, etc. To see Buckingham Palace in all its glory, we recommend hopping off at stop 19 and turn left onto Spur Road. Green Route Whilst on-board, we will take you past Russel Square, Kings Cross, St Pancras International Station, Euston Station, the British Museum, Leicester Square, the National Portrait Gallery National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Somerset House and Aldwych. To see the yearly schedule for all routes, check our timetable .

Audio Guide

Special for kids.

On the Yellow route, kids audio guide is available in English and French. This commentary is especially designed to capture the little ones’ attention throughout the journey and is available on the bus devices.

Flexible Tickets

London discovery, select your tickets.

Please select your tickets

Free cancellation 24 hours prior to the date of the tour.

Amenitybus.com

Yellow Bus London Tour

Discover the Rich History of London with a Yellow Bus Tour

After long and arduous days of work, nothing beats a rewarding vacation in the culturally-rich city of London. And while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer range of attractions to explore, the most convenient way to expose yourself to the capital’s full range of historical and modern-day splendors is with a Yellow Bus Tour of London.

Explore London’s Iconic Landmarks

These customized open-air tours will take visitors to the city’s most celebrated sights. From St Paul’s Cathedral to Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, you’ll be able to marvel at the historical details and breath-taking architecture of some of the most iconic landmarks on the planet.

Travel In Style & Comfort

The Yellow Bus Tour doesn’t compromise on comfort, with its ergonomically designed seats and custom drive system. Both adjust to ensure the optimum touring ride. Additionally, the audio commentary and the onboard in-seat monitors provide passengers with entertaining and comprehensive commentary throughout the journey in 19 different languages.

See the City Monumentally

The yellow double-deckers provide the best possible views of the city skyline. Thanks to their unique suspension system, the decks have been built higher than other open-top buses, providing passengers with an unobstructed vista of the London landscape. These large open windows also amplify the sound system so that no matter the volume of the street noise, you’ll still be able to enjoy the audio entertainment.

Convenient & Affordable Sightseeing

The Yellow Bus Tour offers the most convenient way to explore the sprawling city, with a total of 36 routes covering 650 miles of roads in the capital. That means you won’t need to worry about having to find your way around, since the tour bus operators cover virtually every major tourist destination in town. With tickets starting from £5.50 for adult single rides and £4.50 for children, it’s an economical way to experience the full breadth of London.

Safe & Accessible Tours for Everyone

The Yellow Bus Tours are also suitable for visitors of all ages. Its fleet of vehicles is 100% accessible and tailored to the needs of visitors with reduced mobility. They can also be wheelchair-friendly if a request is made when booking. While on board, families can also take comfort in knowing that the whole experience is supervised by professional bus drivers with years of experience on the road.

A Truly Memorable Experience

Whatever your gameplan for visiting London, the Yellow Bus Tour is sure to satisfy. With so many destinations to explore, you’ll have the chance to explore London’s monuments, royal palaces, and modern-day wonders in one single journey. And best of all, you’ll be able to make the most of your time with a customised and informative tour that lets you appreciate the full beauty of the city!

Renea Pullin

Renea G. Pullin is a passionate writer and transportation enthusiast who has dedicated her writing career to exploring the fascinating world of buses. With years of research and experience writing about buses and other forms of public transportation, Renea is an expert on the subject. Renea is committed to providing her readers with reliable and accurate information, as well as plenty of interesting fun facts about buses.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Hop-On-Hop-Off London Bus Tours

Our tour guides do their best to show you as many landmarks as possible in London, but some of the most popular attractions are spread out pretty far apart.

Most guides will recommend taking the tube from one point to the next, but hop-on hop-off tours are another option to consider as well.

We cover each of the 3 main London bus tour companies that allow you to jump off and explore each stop at your leisure.

We will provide details about ticket types, prices, discounts, as well as the pros and and cons and other important factors.

We actually recommend using these bus tours to get an idea for which attractions you'd like to visit, and then checking to see if one of our London walking tours includes those locations.

• Companies + Routes
• Night Bus Tours
• Discounts & Deals
• Pros and Cons
• Tips From Locals
• Other London Bus Tours
• Things to Do in London

Disclosure:  We think you should consider  our free tours , but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Big Bus Tours

Big Bus London considers itself the premiere hop-on-hop-off tour bus company and the reviews appear to agree.

This company offers 3 routes with 38 bus stops.

The purchase of all tickets also includes a free Thames River cruise, which you could from Westminster Pier or London Tower Pier.

Each type of ticket also includes 3 guided walking tours .

• Changing of the Guard Walking Tour
• Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
• City of London Past to Present Walking Tour

You will also enjoy free wifi onboard, as well as a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions.  

All ticket types, with the exception of the Classic Ticket, also include the Big Bus night tour.

You can also combine a Big Bus ticket with several popular attractions for a combo discount .

Ticket Prices (with a 10% online discount)

Discover Ticket (24 Hours)

• Adult – £40.50
• Child – £31.50
• Family – £128.25
• Includes free cruise on the Thames.

Purchase tickets or learn more .

NOTE: A 1-day ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass and the London Sightseeing Pass .

Essential Ticket (48 Hours)

• Adult – £49.50
• Child – £40.50
• Family – £159.75
• Includes a free cruise on the Thames.
• Includes free guided walking tours.

Explore Ticket (48 Hours)

• Adult – £58.50
• Child – £49.50
• Family – £191.25
• Includes a free cruise along the Thames.
• Includes the night bus tour for free.

TIP: If you want to save an extra 5% , consider using Tiqets !

NOTE: There is sometimes a multi-day ticket for a few pounds more that allows you to use your ticket on non-consecutive days.

Times: 8:10 am - 7:00 pm. Tours run every 10-20 minutes. Big Bus also offers a night tour .

Where to Purchase Tickets

Purchase tickets here . Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance.

Or you could get them from Central Departure Points.

These points are Marble Arch, Green Park, Victoria Station, Baker Street, and Trafalgar Square. Onsite tickets are a bit more expensive.

Commentary Languages and Type

Each ticket entitles you to an audio guide.

Recorded commentary in French, German, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, and English.

Red Route (2 hrs 30 min):

The best of London covers Central London, from Green Park to Victoria Station, including Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Big Ben, Mayfair, London Bridge, and much more.

The Big Bus red route starts from the Green Park Underground station next to the Ritz (first stop at 08:30 and last stop at 16:00)

Click on the map for a larger view

Blue Route (1 hrs 15 min):

As above, plus Kensington Gardens, Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, Paddington, Notting Hill, Regents Park, and more.

The Big Bus blue route starts from 144 Regent Street (TfL Bus Stop "V", near the corner with Beak Street)

Green Route (1 hr 10 min):

Temple Church, The Mall, St James’s Park, British Museum, Kings Cross, Churchill Museum, Downing Street, National Portrait Gallery, and much more.

The Big Bus green route starts from

Holiday Routes

For the holidays, Big Bus offers a special route at night which will take you around London to see all of the best Christmas lights and displays.

They also have a Christmas Day bus tour , which might not seem like a big deal at first, but it's worth noting that none of the public buses will be running on this day.

In other words, you can expect far less traffic on Christmas day, and that might make the experience much more enjoyable.

Of course, a lot of places will also be closed on Christmas, and this route doesn't allow you to hop on or off at your own leisure.

Even so, if you're interested in seeing the city without too much traffic, this could be the best time to do it!

Reviews of Big Bus Tours London

With a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, Big Bus Tours has received quite a few respectable reviews from its customers.

Most passengers felt like this was a great way to learn about London and see many significant landmarks.

Unhappy reviews tend to increase during the early summer season as buses become more crowded, so be sure to temper your expectations.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour, also known as the Original London Sightseeing Tour company is almost identical to Big Bus Tours and their reviews are about equal.

As their name hints, they are the original hop-on-hop-off London sightseeing bus tour.

The Original Tour also offers opportunities to combine a bus ticket with tickets to popular attractions to save on both. 

Extras: 24-hour and 48-hour tickets include a free river cruise, 3 free walking tours, and a booklet filled with vouchers for various London attractions (not for The Original Tour).

Also for children, a free activity pack is included.

The 3 free walking tours are: Changing of the Guard, Rock N Roll London, and Jack the Ripper.

Original London also offers a nighttime bus tour as well as a bus tour specifically f o r families .

Ticket Prices (with 15% discount)

24-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

• Adult – £29.75
• Child – £17.00
• Family – £90.00

48-Hour London Discovery Ticket Price

• Adult – £34.85
• Child – £21.25
• Family – £107.00

72-Hour Ticket Price

• Adult – £39.95
• Child – £25.50
• Family – £124.00
• Purchase tickets or learn more . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)

Yellow Route

• Buses run every 20-35 minutes.
• Buses run every 15-30 minutes.
• Daily: 9 am - 4 pm
• Buses run every 20-30 minutes.

Yellow Route   – The Original Tour (T1 and T2)

• Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye, The Shard, Tower Bridge and Leicester Square.National Gallery, and more.
• T1 – Live commentary in English.  T2 – Recorded commentary in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Mandarin. PLUS special commentary specifically for children.
• First bus: 8:30 am. Frequency: every 5-20 mins.

Blue Route – The Royal Borough Route (T4)

• Harrods, Victoria & Albert Museum, Science Museum, Natural History Museum and Design Museum, and more. 
• Multilingual commentary.
• First bus:  8:30 am. Frequency: Every 15-20 mins.

Orange Route   – The British Museum Tour  (T5)

• British Museum, British Library, Chinatown, Shaftesbury Avenue, and more.
• First bus: 8:35 am. Frequency: Every 20-30 mins.

NOTE: This route is not currently available and we don't know when they will bring it back.

Reviews of Toot Bus London

Much like their competition, The Original London Sightseeing Tour has received a 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor.

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tours are mostly positive, but they have had some unhappy customers from time to time.

Some guests complained that they didn’t learn a lot and the trip took too long, but many others were pleasantly surprised by everything they experienced.

Several visitors were very impressed by their drivers and the additional walking tours that they offer for free.

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-off Tours

This is one of the most popular bus tour companies in the world, and they offer a very similar level of service to their competitors.

City Sightseeing currently offers both a 24-hour and 48-hour ticket. Each ticket includes at least one additional activity, including free walking tours, cruises, and more.

There are a total of 25 stops spread across two routes.

The red route will take you to some of the most notable sites in London,

Here are the prices you can expect to pay for each ticket:

24-Hour Ticket

• £37/Adults | £22/Children
• £96/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
• Self-Guided Royal London Tour.

24-Hour Ticket + Cruise

• £42/Adults | £25/Children
• £109/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• Thames River Cruise.

48-Hour Ticket + Cruise

• £49/Adults | £29/Children
• £127/Family (2 Adults, 2 Children)
• 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour.
• 6 Self-Guided London Tours.

City Sightseeing London Routes

City Sightseeing offers pretty much the same red and green route provided by Big Bus Tours.

The red route starts from the London Eye, Belvedere Road, Stand 3788, and follows a route that covers mostly Westminster and the City of London.

The green route also starts from the London Eye and travels north to sites such as Woburn Place and Southampton Row.

There aren't many differences to note, as they both follow pretty much the same path.

If you want to get a better idea of where the bus will take you, use the following map for more information.

The Thames River cruise, the blue route, starts from Westminster Pier, across from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and has just one stop ending at Tower Pier, near the Tower of London .

You might have noticed that City Sightseeing offers better pricing than some of its competitors, but it should be noted that the quality of service might not be as great.

According to TripAdvisor, this company currently has a 3 out of 5 rating, which isn't terrible, but it's also not very good.

While some guests enjoyed their experience, others were disappointed with the amount of information given and the regularity of service.

Keep these factors in mind before deciding which ticket to buy.

Golden Tours

24-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £41
• Child – £25
• Includes boat ride

48-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £47
• Child – £28

72-Hour Hop-on-Hop-off Ticket Price

• Adult – £54
• Child – £34
• Includes boat ride.

Purchase tickets or learn more . (Full refund up to 24 hours in advance)

NOTE: The 24-hour ticket is included for free with the London Explorer Pass .

Commentary Languages and Type: Live commentary in English. Recorded commentary in German, French, Spanish, Italian Japanese, Russian, and Brazilian Portuguese.

Route Duration: 1 – 3 hours

Extras: FREE riverboat cruise.

• Red Route – Standard Route – Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace.
• Yellow Route – Standard Route plus Kensington --- Harrods, V&A Museum, Royal Albert Hall, etc.
• 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Buses run every 10-20 minutes.

Although this service is worth mentioning, it’s important to note that Golden Tours has only been given a 3 ½ out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, but 4 out of 5 stars on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Reviews for their hop-on-hop-off bus tour are very mixed, and several customers have concluded that the service was not very good.

Some guests complained about their bus driver while others were displeased with how infrequently the buses ran.

Those who enjoyed their trip felt that it was a great value which made it a lot easier to explore London. 

LONDON NIGHT BUS TOURS

Many of the above-mentioned bus tour companies offer night bus tours, and we will detail those services below.

Most of these are not hop-on-hop-off tours, but they do take place in the same open-top double-decker buses that are used during the day.

Be sure to also check out our post on night tours of London for walking, bike, boat, and Segway tours.

There is also a Jack the Ripper and Sherlock Holmes night bus tour.

London By Night

A double-decker bus tour of London after the sun goes down.

The tour route takes visitors through the most famous sites in London, all lit up, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Piccadilly, Trafalgar Square, Harrods, and more!

This company has received an overall 4 out of 5-star rating on TripAdvisor and a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

An overwhelming majority of reviewers were very pleased with their service, some going so far as to say that this was an excellent experience.

Although they have been given a few negative reviews, none of them indicate any serious issues with the tour bus.

Ticket Prices

• Adult – £29
• Child – £16
• Family – £78
• Under 5 – FREE
• Purchase tickets here . (Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance)
• 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, 21:15, 21:45, 22:15 in Summer (Apr-Sept).
• 19:30, 21:20 in Winter (Oct-Mar)
• Tours last around 1 hr 15 min.

Location: Tours begin from Green Park Underground Station next to the Ritz Hotel, Piccadilly.

View the route map .

Commentary Type and Language: Live commentary in English.

This night tour will take you past notable and historic sites such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye after the sun sets.

The tour is offered three times per night and you can start the tour at one of three different stops. Hotel return service is provided at the end of your outing.

Pre-recorded commentary is available in 12 languages, as it is on their hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

• Adult – £31.50
• Child – £22.50
• Family – £96.75
• From the London Eye: 7:30 pm, 8 pm, 8:30 pm
• From Victoria: 7:45 pm, 8:15 pm, 8:45 pm
• From the Marble Arch: 8 pm, 8:30 pm, 9 pm

This night bus tour is only available for a limited time from April – September.

That said, you can purchase tickets ahead of time and use them on any day within 6 months of purchase.

The TootBus Night Tour (formerly the Original London Night Tour)

This company offers its yellow route as a night tour, and it includes a variety of popular landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and more.

Unlike other companies, this is essentially just an extension of their hop-on-hop-off bus tour during the day, but the night bus tickets are only valid after 6:30 pm.

Think of it as a discount ticket for the end of the day.

That said, this night bus tour does not include any of the additional activities that you can get with other services provided by the Original London Sightseeing Tour.

Regardless, being able to hop on and off at your own leisure will make this a much better option for anyone who wants to get some good pictures after the sun goes down.

• Adult – £23.80
• Child – £13.60
• Family – £72.00
• March - April: 7:30 pm
• May: 8:00 pm
• June - August: 8:30 pm
• September: 7:30 pm
• October: 7:00 pm
• November: 5:30 pm
• The tour lasts for up to 2 ½ hours

Toot Bus's night tour starts from Coventry Street, London W1D 6BH.

In addition to offering the opportunity to jump off and explore at your leisure, this is also the most affordable night bus tour in London and it’s available year-round!

Toot Bus also offers a bus tour specifically for families .

DISCOUNTS AND DEALS

The following section will cover all of the different ways you can save money on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.

We include information about tourist passes, combo packages, and more.

Tourist Attraction Passes

Most of the tourist attraction discount passes available to you in London include free tickets to at least one hop-on-hop-off bus tour, but not all of these services are the same.

Each of these tourist passes includes a variety of attractions for one flat price, allowing you to save up to 55% depending on the card that you choose.

They can also save you time by allowing you to skip the ticket queue at select tours and attractions. 

With that in mind, this section will provide a breakdown of which bus tour is offered by each tourist pass.

Big Bus Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London City Turbo Pass
• London Sightseeing Pass

Golden Tours (24-hour ticket)

• London Pass
• London Explorer Pass

Make sure to read our full post about which London City Pass is best for you for more details about how to use these services.

Combo Packages

All the 3 major hop-on-hop-off companies offer tickets that combine various durations of their bus tickets with popular attractions in London.

The TootBus Sightseeing Tour (formerly the Original London Sightseeing Tour)

This company offers a combo deal that includes both their hop-on, hop-off bus tour and a cruise on the river Thames.

If you're interested in both of these activities, this is a great way to save money on tickets by paying one flat price instead of paying for tickets individually.

Prices (with 15% discount)

• 24 Hour Tickets: £35.70/Adults | £20.40/Children
• 48 Hour Tickets: £41.65/Adults | £24.65/Children

This service currently offers a variety of combo packages, and they also work with Madame Tussauds to provide discounts through a special London attraction package.

The following deals are available directly from Big Bus Tours:

• £81/Adults | £67/Kids
• £105/Adults | £92/Kids
• £83/Adults | £69/Kids
• £73/Adults | £48/Kids

Purchase combo packages or learn more .

Much like its competitors, this company also offers a plethora of different combo deals which include their hop-on-hop-off bus tour and at least one additional attraction.

Here are the deals they currently have available:

• £66/Adults | £50/Kids
• £66/Adults | £35/Kids
• £64/Adults | £49/Kids
• £59/Adults | £32/Kids
• £46/Adults | £24/Kids
• £58/Adults | £40/Kids
• £101/Adults | £79/Kids
• £104/Adults | £69/Kids
• £58/Adults | £43/Kids

While some of these combo packages are excellent deals, you may want to compare prices for a few of them to the Madame Tussauds Attraction Package and other combination discounts.

PROS AND CONS OF A LONDON HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS TOUR

If you’re looking for a great way to see all the major sites in London, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be a great option.

That said, there are a few things you may want to consider before purchasing tickets.

Here are a few reasons you may want to think about taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in London.

Commentary in Several Languages

These bus tours typically include recorded commentary about the most historic and notable landmarks in the city.

The audio guide is often offered in at least 5-10 different languages.

Jump Off and Explore

In addition to the tour itself, you’ll also have the opportunity to jump off at any stop you want and take a closer look for yourself.

You can set your own pace for exploration. Once you’re done looking around, just hop back on and resume your guided trip!

Great Overview of the City

This is a great way for visitors to become more familiar with the city and where everything is located.

Each hop-on-hop-off bus tour includes a map that can make it even easier to find your way around town.

Additional Services

Depending on which type of ticket you purchase, you could also enjoy free walking tours, cruises, night tours, and other things to do.

This is a great way to save money on activities you may already be considering.

Reasonable Prices

Considering that you’ll receive transportation, a tour, live and recorded commentary, a map, and even additional activities, the ticket prices are pretty reasonable at an average price of £35-£50 per person.

TIP : We have a section on  discounts and deals below so you don't have to pay full price!

Although a hop-on-hop-off bus tour can be very useful for most travelers, there are some reasons that you may want to consider another service.

Simplistic Commentary

It’s nice that these tours typically include both live and recorded commentary about the city.

But, they don’t usually go into a lot of detail about all of the landmarks and historic locations you will see.

If you want more in-depth commentary, consider complementing a bus tour with one of our walking tours.

Or, consider our public bus hop-on-hop-off route.

In addition to audio on the bus, we also have clips for walking around at select stops ( learn more here ).

Not Very Efficient

Whether you don’t have a lot of time in London or you just want to save some time, a hop-on-hop-off bus tour isn’t very efficient.

This service is more about taking your time and exploring each location of interest.

Visitors who want a quicker, more efficient experience should consider a different kind of London bus tour.

No Assigned Seat

While you can get an assigned seat on other bus tours and assure that you’ll always have a place to sit, there is no such guarantee on these hop-on-hop-off bus tours.

All seats are first-come, first-served.

If you want to make sure you’ve got a good seat with great views of the city, another type of London bus tour will probably suit you better.

Tips From Locals and Travelers

Alright, enough trying to sell you on hop-on hop-off bus tours.

Here are some of the thoughts and opinions of both locals and travelers from our London Travel Tips group on Facebook who have taken these tours in London.

Megan recommends a pretty good idea, which is to use your first circuit on the bus to note locations you'd like to visit.

Then, on your second trip around, use the hop-on hop-off bus to get to each of the attractions you want to see in closer detail!

Thomas notes that they always do the hop-on hop-off tours in every city they visit just to get an overview of the area, and that is definitely one of the better uses of these services.

Here's another excellent suggestion.

Whether or not you're trying to save money, it's worth noting that you can technically see all the major attractions included on a hop-on hop-off bus tour by using the TFL buses instead.

As a matter of fact, you can actually see a lot more this way, but it does require more effort to figure out the bus routes you'll want to take.

Most locals recommend lines 9 and 15 if you want to follow basically the same route as hop-on hop-off tours.

Richard here actually used to work on the hop-on hop-off buses, so he's got a lot of experience with the services.

He advises to avoid Golden Tours, and from other comments we have seen, it seems that this company does have issues providing these tours.

He also notes that you can easily find which route a bus offers by looking at the colour coded signs on the windows.

If you're wondering whether or not you need to purchase tickets in advance, it'll be nice to know that you can just walk right up to the bus and purchase tickets directly from the driver/guide.

The only real reason to buy tickets ahead of time is to save money, and that's why we offer so many discount opportunities in this post!

For more helpful advice, make sure to check our London Travel Tips group on Facebook.

RELATED POSTS: 

• Where to Store Your Luggage
• London Bus Tours
• London Walking Tours
• Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
• What to Do in London

And much, much more

About the author.

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

London Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours

Tootbus: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Evening Bus Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• See the best of London with a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off pass and getting on and off whenever you want.
• Soak in the rich history, culture, and lifestyle of the city with over 40 stops near the iconic sights across the 3 routes as buses arrive every 10 to 30 mins.
• Want more? The pass includes 3 free walking tours or you can upgrade for a 90-min evening bus tour.
• With a multilingual audio guide and kid's audio guide, listen to riveting tales as you witness the city's wonders from eco-friendly open-top buses.
• Popular stops across your HOHO route include the Harrods, London Eye, Tower of London, and more.
• 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off tour
• Access to Yellow, Blue & Green routes
• 90-min evening bus tour (optional)
• 3 self-guided walking tours
• Audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Brazilian, Chinese, Russian & Arabic
• Kid's audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route & evening bus tour)
• Free earphones made from recyclable materials
• Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
• Discounted family tickets
• Entry to attractions

Please click here for detailed route maps and boarding points.

You can join a tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.

Yellow route

• First bus: 8:30am from Coventry Street
• Last bus: 8pm from Coventry Street (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the last bus is at 7pm)
• Frequency: 10-15 mins
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace

Royal Blue route

• First bus: 8:30am from Grosvenor Gardens (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the first bus is at 9am)
• Last bus: 6:20pm from Grosvenor Gardens (Note: from Sep 7 to 27, Mon to Thu, the first bus is at 5pm)
• Frequency: 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Parliament Street, Harrods

Green route

• First bus: 8:35am from Wyndham's Theatre
• Last bus: 7:30pm from Wyndham's Theatre (Note: until Sep 27, the last bus is from 5:30pm)
• Frequency: 30 mins
• Popular stops: British Museum, Bedford Place

Evening bus tour

• Starting time: 8:30pm (May 29 to Sep 3), 7:30pm (Sep 4 to Sep 24), 7pm (Sep 25 to Oct 29), and 5:30pm (Oct 30 to Nov 12) from Coventry Street
• Frequency: once a day
• Tip: London is known for its street art. Look out for hidden gems at stops like Shoreditch or Brixton.
• The buses run on biodiesel and qualify as ultra-low emission.
• You can access the self-guided walking tours on the Tootbus app, which takes you through Kensington Gardens, 2 royal palaces including Buckingham Palace, and the south bank of Thames River.
• The evening bus tour is closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• This experience is wheelchair accessible.
• Your guide dogs are welcome on the buses, pets and small dogs must be seated at your knees.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they aren't entitled to their own seat.
• You can use your tickets on any day before the tour date. However, just keep in mind that they cannot be redeemed if the first day of travel has already passed.

Tootbus: London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise

• Ride and stop as you please unlimited times on your London trip with the 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Hop on a bus every 15 to 40 mins and explore London with 3 routes and 40+ stops, your adventure awaits at every corner.
• The cherry on top? Immerse the allure of the Thames River with a sightseeing river cruise.
• Admire city views from the eco-friendly double-decker buses, equipped with multilingual audio guides for adults and kids.
• Popular stops include The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St Paul’s Cathedral and more.

Thames River cruise

• Kid's audio guide in English & French (only on Yellow route)
• First boat: 10am from Tower Pier
• Last boat: 5:15pm from Tower Pier
• Frequency: 40 mins
• Popular stops: Westminster Pier

Westminster Pier

• First boat: 10am from Westminster Pier
• Last boat: 6pm from Westminster Pier
• Popular stops: London Eye & Tower Pier
• Tip: Explore a local market or two. Borough Market and Portobello Road Market are treasure troves of food, antiques, and local finds.
• Children aged 4 and under can travel for free, if they don't need a separate seat.

Big Bus: London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour with Thames River Cruise

• Explore London in the most fun way and hop on and off on a bus tour as much as you want for 24 or 48 hours.
• 3 different routes and 50+ stops to choose from, all near the must-see attractions in town.
• Who doesn't love free perks? Go on a guided sightseeing cruise across the Thames and opt for 4 walking tours and a 2-hour panoramic evening tour.
• Plus, you'll even have onboard commentary in 5 languages to learn interesting facts about the places you visit.
• Discover the magic of London, from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, Kensington Palace, and so much more along your HOHO route.
• 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Access to Red, Blue & Green routes
• Thames River cruise with live commentary in English
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• Complimentary headphones
• 4 guided walking tours (based on option selected)
• Panoramic evening bus tour (based on option selected)
• First bus: 8:15am from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #1 (Green Park Underground)
• Frequency: every 10-20 mins
• Popular stops: Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Piccadilly Circus
• First bus: 8am from stop #24 (Victoria, Nova Complex)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #24 (Victoria, Nova Complex)
• Frequency: every 15-20 mins
• Popular stops: Kensington Palace, Trafalgar Square, Notting Hill
• First bus: 8:30am from stop #44 (Woburn, Northbound)
• Last bus: 6pm from stop #44 (Woburn, Northbound)
• Frequency: every 30-60 mins
• Popular stops: Kings Cross Station, British Museum, Temple Underground Station

From Tower Pier

• First cruise: 10am
• Last cruise: 7:20pm
• Frequency: every 15-40 mins
• Note: This cruise starts from Tower of London (stop #16) on Lower Thames St, London, and ends at either Waterloo Pier or Westminster Pier.

From Westminster Pier

• Last cruise: 6:55pm
• Note: This cruise starts from Westminster Pier (stop #18) on the northwest side of Westminster Bridge, Victoria Embankment and ends at Tower Pier.
• Departs at 7:30pm from stop #11 (London Eye)
• Frequency: once every evening
• Duration: 2 hours
• Tip: Visit the Covent Square Market, the most popular market in London for jewelry, antiques, or a souvenir of your trip as the merchandise changes every day.
• This experience is not accessible by mobility scooters.
• Require special accommodations for your wheelchairs? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.
• Public transport and sightseeing buses can't stop right at Buckingham Palace, but there is a stop just a 5-minute walk away.
• Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets like cruises, walking tours, and bus tours will be shared in the ticket post-booking.

City Sightseeing: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

• Explore London's top attractions with the freedom to hop on and off as many times as you like for 1 day, 24 or 48 hours.
• No need to worry about missing a bus, they come every 15 to 30 mins and cover three routes and over 39 stops across the city.
• As a bonus, the 24/48-hour passes include a scenic cruise on the River Thames from Westminster or Tower Pier. Plus, get a return transfer with your 48-hour ticket.
• Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of London with the multilingual audio guide, available in 11 languages on the iconic double-decker buses.
• Hop off at popular stops such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and many more.
• 1-day, 24/48-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
• 24/48-hour Thames River cruise (as per option selected)
• Audio guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Polish & Arabic (on the bus)
• Return transfer for 24-hour Thames River cruise
• First bus: 8:30am from Belvedere Road
• Last bus: 6pm from Belvedere Road
• Frequency: every 15 mins
• Popular stops: Grosvenor Gardens, London Bridge, Westminster Bridge
• First bus: 8:40am from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
• Last bus: 5pm from Marble Arch (Park Lane)
• Frequency: every 30 mins
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Harrods, Victoria and Albert Museum

Green Route

• First bus: 9:18am from Waterloo Road
• Last bus: 4:43pm from Waterloo Road
• Popular stops: Lancaster Place, Southampton Row
• First cruise: 10am from Westminster Pier & Tower Pier
• Last cruise: 4pm (for 48-hour ticket) & 7:20pm (for 24-hour ticket) from Westminster Pier, 5:50 pm (for 48-hour ticket) from Greenwich, 6:55pm (for 24-hour ticket) from Tower Pier
• Frequency: every 40 mins
• Tip: Hop off at Buckingham Palace and visit the state rooms and gardens. Also, stay behind to watch the Changing of the Guards Ceremony.
• The buses are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs must be no larger than 70cm wide, 120cm long, and 135cm high to board the bus. If unsure, contact the service provider.
• Your dogs are welcome on the buses.
• A 1-day ticket is valid for 1 calendar day whereas the 24-hour ticket is valid for 24 hours. For example, if you hop on at 10am, then your ticket remains valid till 10am the following day.
• If you purchased the 24-hour HOHO pass, you get a one-way cruise from either Westminster or Tower Pier. However, the 48-hour HOHO pass offers a return transfer to/from Greenwich Pier on the same day.

Combo (Save 30%): London Eye Tickets + Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Thames River Cruise

• Save 30%, see big! Soar above London on the Eye, cruise along the Thames, and explore the city with a hop-on hop-off bus tour – all with this combo.
• Prepare to be wowed as the London Eye offers a sky-high perspective of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
• Navigate London's best sights including Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace seamlessly with the 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass.
• With open-top buses running every 10-20 mins across the three routes and 50+ stops, benefit from free Wi-Fi and multilingual pre-recorded commentary.
• Escape the hustle and bustle of London with the Thames cruise and soak up stunning views as you cruise past iconic landmarks led by an English-speaking guide.
• Standard entry to London Eye with 30-min ride

London HOHO pass

• 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
• Pre-recorded commentary in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian
• Free Wi-Fi & headphones onboard
• 40-min Thames River cruise
• English-speaking guide
• First bus: 8:15am from Green Park Underground
• Last bus: 6pm from Green Park Underground
• Popular stops: London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge
• First bus: 8am from Victoria, Nova Complex.
• Last bus: 6pm from Victoria, Nova Complex.
• Popular stops: Harrods, Baker Street, Kensington Palace
• First bus: 8:30am from Woburn Northbound, opposite Russel Court.
• Last bus: 6pm from Woburn Northbound, opposite Russel Court.
• Popular stops: British Museum, Temple Underground Station, Covent Garden
• First cruise: 10am (ends at Waterloo Pier or Westminster Pier)
• Last cruise: 7:20pm (ends at Waterloo Pier or Westminster Pier)
• First cruise: 10am (ends at Tower Pier)
• Last cruise: 6:55pm (ends at Tower Pier)
• Tip: What's stopping you from creating a London Eye bingo? Make a list of landmarks to spot and the first to complete wins bragging rights.
• Specific details related to your tickets will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
• The buses are not accessible by mobility scooters.
• Require special accommodations for your disability? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider and they'll try to assist you.
• Tip: Legend has it, there’s a hidden tunnel under the Thames that’s haunted by a ghostly drummer. Make sure to get all the scoop from your guide.

Golden Tours: London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Thames River Cruise

• Explore London at your own pace with the 1-day, 24, 48, or 72-hour hop-on hop-off passes.
• The tour includes 3 different routes with buses running every 20 mins and you hop on and off unlimited times.
• Ready for some thrills? Upgrade and go on a sightseeing cruise along the Thames River and sail past iconic landmarks with a 24/48/72-hour pass.
• Enjoy panoramic views of London from the double-decker buses equipped with a multilingual audio guide and an English-speaking guide on the Blue route.
• Some of the iconic stops include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben.
• 1-day or 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus tour
• Access to Blue, Yellow & Orange routes
• English-speaking guide (on the Blue Route)
• River Thames cruise (as per option selected)
• 2 complimentary walking tours (as per option selected)
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Hindi, Japanese & Arabic (on the bus)
• Entrance tickets to attractions
• First bus: 9:20am from London Eye
• Last bus: 6:30pm from London Eye
• Frequency: every 20 mins
• Popular stops: London Bridge, Parliament Square, Buckingham Palace
• First bus: 9am from Victoria
• Last bus: 7:22pm from Victoria
• Popular stops: Madame Tussauds, London Zoo, Tower of London

Orange Route

• First bus: 9:30am from Hyde Park Corner
• Last bus: 7:20pm from Hyde Park Corner
• Popular stops: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Palace, Victoria & Albert Museum
• Last cruise: 7:35pm
• Tip: At Big Ben, visit the Prison Room which is accessible from the House of Commons and is currently occupied by the Petitions Committee.
• The buses are equipped with space for one fold-away pushchair and a wheelchair on the lower decks.
• Your cruise ticket is valid for any day within 7 days from when you start your hop-on hop-off bus tour.
• Heads up! Bus stops 22, 24, 38, and 39 near Buckingham Palace will be closed from 10am to 12pm on days when the Changing of the Guard ceremony happens. You can use stops 16 or 23 instead during this time.

Tootbus: London Kids Tour with Live Guide

• Discover London’s best with the flexibility of the kid's tour a single ticket that offers the freedom to see London's iconic landmarks.
• Convenient and efficient, the 45-min tour departs every 45 mins from Fri to Sun and holidays, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the capital's attractions.
• Experience the city in style on an open-top bus, complete with engaging live commentary for your kids that brings the rich history of London to life.
• Popular spots along your way include Big Ben, Piccadilly Circus, Downing Street, and more.
• 45-min bus tour of London
• Live commentary in English
• First bus: 11 am from Charles II Street (departures may vary with season)
• Last bus: 3 pm from Charles II Street (departures may vary with season)
• Frequency: every 45 mins

Please click here for a detailed route map.

• Tip: At Downing Street, try getting a glimpse of the British Prime Minister's residence, or look out for neon-colored advertisement boards at Piccadilly Circus.
• Keep in mind food & beverages and smoking are not allowed on the buses. Pack wisely!
• The buses are wheelchair accessible.
• Ramps are available on the buses for easy access.
• Your guide dogs are welcome aboard.
• Facilities: free Wi-Fi.
• Pets and small animals are allowed only if they are positioned at your knees.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult all the time.
• Infants aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• The tour takes place only on Fri, Sat, and Sun and every day during school holidays.
• During the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, public transport and sightseeing buses are not allowed in front of the palace. The 1pm tour will be diverted on these days.

Tootbus: London Evening Bus Tour

• Dive into London's evening magic on a 90-min tour. You'll be on an open-top bus, perfect for seeing all those lit-up landmarks.
• The specially designed single route gives you tons of chances to snap photos with the city lights making everything look extra special.
• The audio guide available in 10 languages tells stories about the places you see, adding a touch of learning to your experience.
• This tour really covers it all, you'll get to see all the major spots like the Tower of London, the London Eye and the Shard.
• 90-min evening bus tour of London
• Free earphones

Evening tour route

• Tip: Try to soak in the atmosphere at the bustling Southbank, it's a cultural hub you wouldn't want to miss.
• The tour remains closed from Nov 13 to Mar 28.
• Please note that it’s not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Big Bus: London Evening Bus Tour

• Soak up London’s charm during a 2-hour non-stop tour, showcasing the iconic landmarks under a mesmerizing dusk sky.
• This once-a-day evening tour offers an exclusive experience, letting you explore the city's famous sights at a leisurely pace.
• Benefit from the convenience of open-top buses and tune in to the pre-recorded commentary letting you delve into the city's rich history and culture.
• Be captivated by the striking sights of Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, and witness the eye-catching spectacle of the London Eye, set against the city's evening skyline.
• 2-hour evening tour of London

Evening tour

• First bus: 7:30pm from stop #11 (London Eye)
• Tip: Nearby the London Eye stop is the famous 'Gordon’s Wine Bar', London's oldest, worth a visit post-tour.
• Mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on board due to size and weight limitations.
• Children aged 3 and under can travel for free.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Please note this is not a hop-on hop-off tour.

Golden Tours: Central London Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

• You can cancel these tickets up to 72 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• This is THE classic London experience – high tea and sightseeing , all rolled into a 90-minute bus tour of Central London.
• See London's popular sights out your window – Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye, you name it, with plenty of Insta-worthy moments along the River Thames.
• Tuck into some tasty bites like: smoked salmon on toast and scones slathered in jam and cream. Fancy a glass of Prosecco or maybe a cuppa tea or coffee? It's all there.
• Got dietary needs? No worries! Veggie, vegan, gluten-free, they've got you covered. Plus, pick your fave spot – upper or lower deck!
• 90-min afternoon tea bus tour
• Tea menu here
• Glass of Prosecco or soft drink
• Souvenir mug
• Seating on the lower/upper deck (as per option selected)
• First bus: 11:30am from Bulleid Way.
• Second bus: 2:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Last bus: 4:30pm from Bulleid Way.
• Popular sights: Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey

Please click here for the detailed route map.

• Safety is a priority so this experience is restricted for guests under the age of 4 years.
• Keep in mind luggage and large bags are not allowed on this experience. Pack wisely!
• Guests may have to share tables.
• You must contact the activity provider at least 72 hours prior to the travel date to confirm your choice of menu (general or vegetarian) or you will be served the general menu.
• Keep in mind this activity does not have a tour guide although the staff onboard will highlight points of interest and famous landmarks.
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying adult.
• The route is subject to change due to road closures and traffic conditions.
• Alcohol will only be served to those aged 18 and over, valid ID is required.

London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

London ’s calling! This city has iconic landmarks around every corner. Big Ben, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace – you name it, London's got it. But with so much to see and do, especially for first-timers, figuring out where to start can be a bit overwhelming.

Here's where hop-on hop-off bus tours come in – they're your secret weapon for conquering London! These buses take you to all the must-see sights, from majestic palaces to historic landmarks. Here’s all you need to know.

Why choose London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

• Conquer London attractions: Forget the stress of figuring out public transport (the tube can be a maze!). These buses take you to all the must-see spots, so you can tick off all the landmarks on your list.
• Convenience is king: Hop on, hop off – it's that easy! Explore one landmark, then hop back on the bus to zoom to the next. No more sweaty commutes or wrong turns.
• Comfort & affordability: Kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride on comfy buses. Plus, hop-on hop-off tours are known for being budget-friendly, so you can save your pennies for souvenirs (or afternoon tea!).
• Never miss a bus: Multiple routes criss-cross the city, so the next bus is always around the corner. No long waits, just hop on and keep exploring!
• Your personal guide (without the price tag): Many buses offer pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages, including  English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Learn cool facts and stories about London's history as you cruise by all the sights.

Double-check your ticket for any special features or inclusions your chosen tour might offer. Some might even have live guides or special discounts on attractions.

London Hop-on Hop-off routes & timings

Big Bus tours have three different routes, covering 51 must-see stops. Think iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey – they're all on the agenda. Want to see London sparkling under the city lights? Hop on an Evening Tour and see the city in a whole new light.

51 stops covered

Explore every nook and cranny of London with four different City Sightseeing routes. With 33 stops covering top sights like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St Paul's Cathedral. City Sightseeing buses are a budget-friendly way to conquer London without the hassle. 

33 stops covered

Three routes mean you can explore London exactly how you want. The Yellow Route hits all the must-see landmarks. The Royal Blue Route whisks you past palaces and posh shopping streets. The Green Route takes you to cultural hubs and transport centers. Add on a Thames River Cruise for a different perspective of the city. Night owls can explore London after dark with an optional night tour. And for the little ones, there's even a special kids' tour to keep them entertained.

52 stops covered

London's a treasure trove of sights and Golden Tours has a bus route for (almost) everything. The Red and Blue routes take you to the must-see sights in central London from St Paul’s Cathedral to Madame Tussauds London and London Zoo! The Orange route takes you to London's top museums, so you can get your art, history, and science fix all in one go. The Yellow and Green routes connect you to major landmarks from key hotel areas. If you fancy an afternoon tea experience, there’s a special Afternoon Tea bus tour.

79 stops covered

Your London Hop-on Hop-off tour highlights

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the King himself. Keep your eyes peeled – you might just catch a glimpse of the King or a member of the royal family on the balcony. If not, there's always the chance of seeing a guard in their iconic red uniform. Don't miss the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.

This giant observation wheel is one of the tallest in the world, taking you 443 feet up in the air. Imagine seeing all of London sprawled out beneath you, from the Houses of Parliament to The Shard and beyond. Unlike a regular ferris wheel with its jerky stops and starts, the London Eye offers a smooth ride in a pod.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a grand building steeped in history. It has been the coronation church for English and British monarchs for centuries, as well as a royal graveyard. Westminster Abbey is still a functioning church with beautiful architecture and stunning stained glass windows. 

St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's Cathedral is one of the biggest cathedrals in all of Europe. Its grand design and impressive dome will leave you reaching for your camera. Climb to the top for epic views of the city. There are two options: the Stone Gallery, for cool panoramic views, and the Golden Gallery, which takes you even higher for an unforgettable 360-degree experience. It's also a functioning church with a rich history. Catch a service or explore the beautiful artwork and architecture.

Tower of London

This historic castle on the River Thames has a dark and fascinating past, with torture chambers, famous prisoners (like Henry VIII's wives!), and a moat. The Tower of London is also the home of the Crown Jewels. 

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is Queen Victoria’s birthplace and where the famous queen spent her childhood. The palace houses the Royal Wardrobe Collections that showcase how royals dressed throughout history. The State Apartments and the palace gardens are a hidden gem.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is equal parts history, beauty, and engineering marvel. This bridge stretches majestically across the River Thames, offering stunning views of the city skyline from both sides. If you're lucky, you might catch its drawbridge opening up to let tall ships pass through. 

Thames River Cruise

London is a bustling city, but sometimes you just need a better way to see the sights. That's where a Thames River Cruise comes in! You'll appreciate its grand scale and unique riverside sights that you might miss from street level. Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, The Shard, Cutty Sark – they'll all be floating by. The Thames is dotted with beautiful bridges, and on a river cruise, you'll get to sail right under them! Seeing London from the water gives you a whole new perspective on the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about London Hop-on Hop-off bus tours

You can board the bus at any stop along the route and hop off whenever you want to explore an attraction or area. After your visit, simply hop back on the next bus to continue your tour. The buses run on a loop, covering all major sights in London.

A complete loop on most routes takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. This allows you to enjoy the sights without getting off the bus.

Yes, many buses offer live guides or pre-recorded commentary available in multiple languages. The guides provide interesting facts, history, and anecdotes about London’s landmarks.

No worries! If you miss a bus, simply wait for the next one at the same stop. Buses run frequently, so you won’t have to wait long.

Yes, most hop-on hop-off buses in London are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for wheelchair users. It’s recommended to check with the operator for specific accessibility details.

Yes, most tickets allow access to all available routes, letting you explore different parts of the city. Some operators even include river cruises or walking tours with the ticket.

Yes, these tours are family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Many buses offer special commentary for kids, making it an educational and fun experience.

Generally, light snacks and drinks are allowed on board, but it’s recommended to consume them responsibly to keep the buses clean. Hot food and alcoholic beverages are usually prohibited.

Dress comfortably and according to the weather. Layers are advisable as London’s weather can change quickly. A hat, sunscreen, and a raincoat or umbrella are also good to bring along.

Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but large luggage is generally not permitted due to space limitations. It’s best to check with the operator if you need to bring larger items.

Most tours offer commentary in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and others. Some buses provide headphones and an audio guide system for easy listening.

Service animals are typically allowed on board, but pets are usually not permitted. It’s best to check with the specific operator for their pet policy.

Yes, you can start your tour at any designated stop along the route. Just hop on the next available bus and begin your sightseeing adventure.

Many buses have covered sections or provide ponchos to passengers in case of rain. Tours usually continue in all weather conditions unless it’s deemed unsafe.

Generally, there are no restrooms on the buses, but the routes pass by various attractions and public facilities where you can use the restroom.

The stops along the London Hop-on Hop-off tour will have signs for the relevant bus operator and route name.

While the Hop-on Hop-off buses do not offer direct hotel pickups or drop-offs, some bus routes have stops near popular hotels or special transport routes connecting to hotel areas.

RELATED LINKS

On this page, most popular sights, tickets & sightseeing passes, things to see and do, from our blog.

OPEN TOP SIGHTSEEING BUSES

London tours, popular tours from london, free self-guided walks.

• Guide to hotel areas
• Bed & breakfast
• Backpacker hostels
• Airbnb London
• Central London tours
• Tours from London
• Hop-on hop-off bus tours
• Harry Potter tours
• Stonehenge tours
• Downton Abbey tours
• Windsor tours
• Cotswolds tours
• Private tours
• Ticket & pass offers
• Central London attractions
• Attractions outside London
• Harry Potter attractions
• Tower of London
• PUBLIC TRANSPORT
• London City
• London Southend
• Southampton

Tootbus (The Original Tour) hop-on hop-off bus tours

Hop-on hop-off open top double deck sightseeing bus tour of london.

Tootbus offers a range of tours to see London from the top deck

Tootbus (The Original Tour) - panoramic and hop-on, hop-off ticket options

In summer 2021 The Original Tour changed their name to Tootbus. The bus livery has stayed the same with the iconic Union Jack embellished across the sides of their buses, so they are still easy to spot. Tootbus offer several programmes of tourist bus services in London.

You can choose from traditional hop-on hop-off tickets for different durations (with or without a river cruise) or alternatively Tootbus also offer shorter tours such as their Express Tour or the popular Kids Tour or the ever-popular quirky Bar Bus - 'The most original rooftop terrace in town.'

You can also enjoy a Tootbus hop-on bus experience in the City of Bath .

BOOK TOOTBUS HOP-ON BUS TICKETS   What's included   Tootbus tour types   About Tootbus tickets   Tootbus routes and map   River Cruise   Tootbus compared with Golden Tours & Big Bus   Hop-on buses price comparison table  

TOOTBUS HOP-ON BUS ALL OPTIONS - 15% DISCOUNT ONLINE

Tootbus Must See London, Bar Bus, Kids Tour, London by Night, Christmas Lights tickets

• Choose from 24, 48 or 72-hr tickets • London Discovery and Must See London tickets • Thames River Cruise • Audio guide in 5 languages • Kids' commentary

TOOTBUS HOP-ON BUS & GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Tootbus London Discovery tickets + Vox City guided walking tours

• Choose from 24, 48 or 72-hr tickets • Audio guide in 5 languages • 2 professionally guided walking tours: The Wizard Walk - Harry Potter Walking Guided Tour & The Royals and Landmarks - Walking Guided Tour 

Tootbus hop-on bus London - what's included in your ticket

Over sixty years ago the company who ran London's red buses decided to create a special open topped conversion of some of London's famous double deck red buses and run them on a circuit of London's main attractions with the facility to hop on and hop off. This company became known as The Original London Tour.

Today the Original London Tour now operates under the new name of Tootbus. The company is still going strong in London and has been refined to a sightseeing product so very popular with first time visitors to London.

Unlimited travel for 24, 48 or 72-hrs on the Tootbus, (Original London Tour) sightseeing bus network that visits all major attractions in Central London

High frequency daily buses with a selection of different tours available including Express, Kids, Bar Bus and Evening tours

The only tour company to offer specially adapted Kids Tours

The only tour company to offer the phenomenally popular and quirky Bar Bus

A short river cruise on the River Thames to see major sights from a different perspective (on Must See London tickets only)

Download the Tootbus app to gain access to: routes and stops, audio commentaries (in English and French) and self-guided walking tours

Free Wi-Fi on all buses

Comparison table of London's hop-on bus prices 2024

What you need to know about Tootbus (The Original Tour) London tickets

You can buy tickets for the Tootbus service in 24, 48 and 72-hour durations.

So, if you buy a 48-hour ticket, the ticket is valid 48 hours from the time you activate the ticket by boarding the bus.

London Discovery

A cheaper tour from Tootbus that offers good value on 1-day tours with no river cruise.

Must See London

This tour is more expensive as you get the river cruise included. Choose from a 1-day tour or a 2-day tour.

London Express - non-stop 2-hr tour

The Express Tour showcases the very best of London in just two hours. Perfect for anyone a little short on time who just wants to be taken around the beautiful sights the capital has to offer. This is a great way to see the city in the open-air, on a non-stop tour with on-board commentary.

London tours for kids

This is a short 45 minute open-top bus tour of the city, designed specifically for kids. This tour is special in that it is one of only two tours by Tootbus to feature a live guide, which really brings the whole experience to life. Your guide will give a fun introduction to the history of London as you pass major landmarks. This is a great way to see London in the open-air setting of the top of the London bus. As you'd expect, tickets are cheaper than the traditional tickets for 1 or 2-day durations.

London by Night - or Christmas lights

Tootbus' evening tour offering, comparable with Big Bus and Golden Tours, a 90-min non-stop bus tour with pre-recorded commentary.

At Christmas another product is also on offer - the London Christmas Lights Tour, where you can enjoy the magical Christmas lights of London with a live guide (this is only one of two bus experiences Tootbus offer with a live guide - the other being the Kids Tour).

Bar Bus - the most original rooftop terrace in town

This popular non-stop 60-min tour of London offers a way to let you hair down on the top deck. See London with your friends, drinks on board, stunning views & photo opportunities, with a laid back vibe and uplifting music.

Tootbus (The Original Tour) tickets - how it works

Tickets can be purchased on the day from staff at the bus stops, Tootbus sellers on the street or online in advance from various suppliers (see banner links above.)

You can purchase London Discovery (hop-on bus only, no river cruise) at a cheaper price than going direct if you use our banner above.

Prices are seasonal and variable and prices above are based on low season prices. During school holidays prices are typically higher.

If purchasing online, the payment is by credit/debit card at the time of purchase.

Tickets are e-tickets and you receive a booking confirmation email, including a pass with a reservation number and a QR code. The QR code on the ticket is scannable on board the bus.

The validity of your ticket starts at the time of redemption, the first time your ticket will be scanned. While using the hop-on hop-off facility, your pass will be scanned every time you get on the bus. 

It is recommended you use the Tootbus app to upload your ticket into it so it is all handy in one place. This is very easy to do, just a matter of filling in the reservation number and the name displayed on your ticket.

Tickets are flexible and are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. You can amend or cancel your tickets free of charge any time during the ticket validity period.

You can begin your Tootbus tour at any of the bus stops in London.

Tootbus (The Original Tour) routes and buses

With your Tootbus ticket, you have access to 2 bus tour routes (depending on season) around London. The Yellow Route is the main tourist route, and as such offers the most frequent service, running every 5-20 minutes.

Summer and winter schedules

Schedules change seasonally.

The winter schedule runs until 1st April with both the Yellow and Blue tours starting from 9am.

Yellow Tour

The Yellow tour runs every 30 minutes from Coventry Street, Piccadilly, until the last tour departs at 4.20pm and 5pm Friday to Sunday.

The Blue tour runs every 40 minutes from Grosvenor Gardens, Victoria until the last tour at 4pm and 5pm Friday to Sunday.

Tootbus map of routes 2024

Free City Cruises river cruise with selected Tootbus tickets

Free Thames river cruise with City Cruises

Complete your visit to London with a cruise along the river Thames. Hop off at Westminster, take the river cruise to Tower Pier and board the Yellow Route again at the Tower of London.

City Cruises is the leading Thames river cruise company in London.

River cruises continue to be very popular with tourists and visitors to London as they allow you to experience the city from the river in ways you could never experience it from land.

Only the Must See London tickets include the river cruise; the cheaper tickets do not.

Tootbus v Golden Tours v Big Bus

In terms of London coverage all three Ho Ho sightseeing bus operations visit the same areas and all the main London attractions.

Live guides

This is one area that has changed in recent years. Traditionally all three companies offered live guides on at least one of their hop-on tours.

Today you will find this is no longer the case. If having a live guide is important to you there are a couple of options, but none of them are hop-on, hop-off but rather 60 or 90-minute continuous sightseeing tours.

Golden Tours have a live guide on their 90 min non-stop tour.

Tootbus have a live guide on their London Kids Tour and London Christmas Tour.

Big Bus no longer offer a live guide service on any of their tours.

Otherwise all three companies use pre-recorded commentaries for their hop-on bus services (they vary on the number of languages offered).

All operators offer tickets with 24 and 48-hr validity periods; Tootbus and Golden Tours also offer 72-hr tickets.

In addition Tootbus offer a 60-min Bar Bus ticket, while Golden Tours offer a fully guided 1.5-hr Express ticket (see above).

Evening Tours

All three operators offer evening tours. Big Bus also include a separate evening tour with their Premium and Deluxe tickets.

See websites for more details.

Walking Tours

Both Golden Tours and Big Bus offer highly regarded professionally guided walking tours included with your ticket (selected tickets only).

With Golden Tours you can choose from a Jack The Ripper Walking Tour or Coronation Walking Tour.

Big Bus offer THREE FREE TOURS with their Essential and Explore tickets: Changing of the Guard Walking Tour, City of London Walking Tour and a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. Each tour is 1.5 hours long.

In addition Big Bus are currently offering a Royal themed hop on bus tour - 'A Big Royal Adventure'' together with a 45-min Royal Walking Tour.

Tootbus do not offer guided walking tours but instead give you the chance to download "Tootwalk" to your phone: a choice of three self-guided walks.

However, if you book Tootbus tickets using the banner on this page including Vox City guided walking tours you will get access to two professionally guided walking tours: "The Wizard Walk" and "Royals and Landmarks Tour."

Each of these much-loved walking tours also comes with FREE access to the Vox City app where you can also discover more of London and its incredible history with your included self-guided Trafalgar Square Adventure. 

River cruises

Two different river cruise operators are used, City Cruises and Thames River Sightseeing.

Golden Tours and Tootbus both offer tickets which are cheaper because they do not offer the river cruise. River cruises come standard with all Big Bus tickets.

All river cruises are for one-way only.

Add-on attractions or alternative tours

Golden Tours offer a range of attractions as add-on to the basic 4-hr hop-on bus ticket .

Tootbus don't currently offer any add-on attractions but they do offer alternative tours such as an Evening Tour , Bar Bus and a very popular Kids tour .

Click through on the banner for a thorough discussion on the differences between companies.

London's hop-on buses - discussion comparison

LONDON'S OPEN TOP HOP-ON, HOP-OFF SIGHTSEEING TOUR PRICING 2024

All the hop-on bus companies have permanently discounted online prices, (compared with walk-up prices) which are between 10 - 15% off.

To be sure you are getting the best possible price it is advisable to check our prices above against the hop-on bus companies' websites as they occasionally run sales throughout the year:

Tootbus official website

Big Bus official website

Golden Tours official website

Tootbus offer cheaper tickets, which are bus only, no river cruise. Tootbus offer this for a 24, 48 or 72-hr period and call this ticket 'London Discovery'.

Top of the page

POPULAR LONDON ATTRACTIONS - ADVANCE PURCHASE AND/OR FAST TRACK TICKETS

travel tips

Bus tours in london: boarding points, maps and routes.

Updated: May 6

Knowing where to catch the sightseeing buses is the first step towards an unforgettable journey. In this guide, I'll pinpoint the key boarding points and show you detailed london bus tour maps, ensuring you make the most of your sightseeing adventure.

Please note that these are the major stops, you can board the buses at any of the stops on the map. The best way to locate the nearest stop to your location is to download the app of your chosen tour provider.

DoubleDeckerLondon is reader supported. If you make a purchase through some of the links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

2. Toot Bus

3. CitySightseeing

4. Golden Tours

6. See London By Night

7.Conclusion

1. Big Bus:

The optimal starting point for the Big Bus is undoubtedly Green Park(1), their primary departure location. Here, you stand a better chance of securing upper deck seats during peak hours compared to other stops. Additionally, you'll find numerous uniformed staff members with ample time to provide insights into the tour and suggest the best routes.

Location : The bus stop is located right in front of Green Park Station, next to The Ritz Hotel.

The London Eye

This stop(19) serves as a convenient starting point for hopping on the bus, despite the fact that there's quite a crowd of people most times. Arriving early can help overcome this challenge. The buses from this location offer the flexibility of traveling in both directions, a feature not available with most of the other tours. This means you can easily reach Buckingham Palace without having to cross the bridge or take a longer route.

Location : The bus stop is located next to the big lion statue at the beginning of Westminster Bridge

Marble Arch

This stop(4) is another popular choice. With frequent service, it serves as a convenient spot to switch between the red and blue lines.

Location : This bus stop can be a bit trickier to spot. If you are visiting during busy times it won't be hard to spot the buses, otherwise, just head toward the main corner entry of Hyde Park and you will notice it as soon as you cross the street.

2. Toot Bus:

Coventry street.

This is Stop 1 and serves as the main departure point for Toot Bus , offering easy access to seats upstairs if you start early. Situated centrally, it provides proximity to numerous stores, theaters, and dining options.

Location: The bus stop is fairly easy to locate, it sits across the road from M&M world, and just in front of Shake Shack on Coventry Street.

Hyde Park Corner

It' s an excellent starting point for both the blue and red routes. Note that the blue route has less frequency, so checking the app for departure times is advisable.

Location : The bus stop(14) is located opposite the Hilton Hotel.

A popular boarding location for most companies, featuring staff availability throughout the day for inquiries or clarifications. Crossing the street leads to another departure point for the blue route.

3. City Sightseeing:

Marked as stop number 1, it serves as their primary departure point. Although you can catch the bus at the main stop, shared with other tours, a short walk to the back of the London Eye brings you to stop number 1. This option is better because you avoid unnecessary bus changes after just one stop and you can also find better seats on the upper deck.

An excellent starting point(15) for both the blue and red routes. Note that the blue route has less frequency, so checking the app for departure times is advisable.

Location : The bus stop is located opposite the Hilton Hotel.

Tower of London

Serves as an excellent starting point(7) for the tour. Here you have the opportunity to explore the remarkable Tower of London, which is definitely worth a visit. Additionally, it's a convenient spot if your ticket includes a boat ride.

4. Golden Tours:

Belvedere road.

Golden Tours ' main departure point is situated behind the London Eye, on Belvedere Road(1). It's recommended to start your journey there to avoid the possibility of changing buses when boarding at the previous stop. Additionally, this departure point tends to be less crowded compared to the main stop.

Location : It is fairly easy to locate the bus stop as it is situated right behind the London Eye, on Belvedere Road.

It' s an excellent starting point(41) for both the yellow and red routes. Note that the yellow route has less frequency, so checking the app for departure times is advisable.

Buckingham Palace

It's an iconic must-visit in London. It's an excellent spot to catch the Golden Tour, as their buses head in different directions from there.

Location : The bus stop(21) is located on the side of Buckingham Palace, on the way to Victoria Station on Buckingham Gate Road.

5. TopView:

Marked as stop number 1, serves as the primary boarding point for TopView. Boarding here is recommended, especially if you prefer live guides throughout the entire loop for a comprehensive commentary experience.

This stop(6) is a bustling location where you'll encounter a significant number of their staff, making it a popular and convenient boarding point for the bus.

6. See London By Night:

The departure point for the See London by Night tour is Green Park, where all buses both depart and return. The tour follows a single 1-hour and 30-minute loop without any stops along the way.

7. Understanding your London bus tour boarding points and maps

Before you embark on your London bus tour, it's important to do some research on boarding points and maps. However, keep in mind that the sales staff at the bus stops are usually very friendly and willing to assist you in understanding the routes.

Spending less time in front of the screen and more time interacting with the staff can be valuable, especially at less busy stops where they can provide detailed explanations.

Additionally, most tour operators offer user-friendly apps that enhance your tour experience. For further details on each bus, check our main page .

Related Posts

London Bus Tours: Tickets in Advance or On the Bus?

How to Get Tickets to the Top 10 Paid Attractions in London

5 Ways to get around London (2024)

TRAVEL TIPS

London on a budget

London in one day

Privacy Policy

Top 5 things to see in London

SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Afternoon Tea Bus

Harry Potter Tour

© 2023 by Double Decker London

• Places to Visit

Sightseeing

• Practical Tips
• Where to Stay

The Original London Sightseeing Tour

Tour Routes

See the Original Tour routes map

The Yellow Route

The yellow route is the ‘Original Tour’ with live commentary from an English speaking guide. If you stay on the bus the tour lasts 2 hours 15 minutes.

The Red Route

The red route follows most of the same route as the yellow route, but also goes via Madame Tussauds. This route has recorded commentary. If you stay on the bus the tour lasts 2 hours 15 minutes.

The Blue Route: The Museum Tour

This route connects the museums in Bloomsbury including the British Museum with the South Kensington museums (V&A, Science Museum & Natural History Museum) and goes via some of London’s major shopping streets. It has recorded commentary. Tour lasts 2 hours 15 minutes.

Tour departure times

Tours depart every 5-15 minutes from 8.30am to 8pm daily. The final Yellow Route bus departs from Coventry St, near Piccadilly Circus at 8pm. Timetables are available on their website.

Pick-up points

You can join the tour at any of the 80 stops along the route. However, the Original Tour recommend you start the tour at one of their main departure points: Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Russell Square, Victoria, Marble Arch.

Original London Tour ticket prices

Tickets are cheaper if you book online.

Tickets booked online can be used on any day up to 6 months from the date of booking. They can be printed at home or you can collect them from the Original London Visitor Centre on Cockspur St near Trafalgar Square. Tickets can be sent to your home address for an additional fee.

Tour languages

Tours are available with live commentary from an English speaking guide (yellow route). Recorded commentary (red & blue routes) is available in:

• Brazilian Portuguese

Tour ticket extras

The following extras are included in the ticket price. The walking tours and the river boat trip must be taken during the validity of the ticket

• Thames river cruise with City Cruises
• Changing the Guard walk (starts 10am)
• Rock’n’Roll walk (starts 1pm)
• Jack the Ripper walk (starts 3.30pm. 4pm from Monday 6 November)
• Free children’s activity pack
• Commentary for children on the red & blue routes

*Changing the guard walking tour

From Monday 16th January, Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace on Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday.

On Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday you see Changing the Guard at Horse Guards parade and then visit Buckingham Palace.

Walking tour departure points

Changing the Guard and the Rock’n’Roll walk depart from The Original London Visitor Centre at 17-19 Cockspur St, just off Trafalgar Square.

The Jack the Ripper walks starts from The Original Tour stop at the Tower of London on Tower Hill. Walks last approximately 90 minutes.

Original London Sightseeing Tour website

Last updated: 6 January 2021

• Sightseeing bus tours
• Sightseeing by local bus
• Walking tours
• Jubilee Walkway
• Thames river boat trips
• Sightseeing by taxi

Copyright 2010-2024 toptiplondon.com. All rights reserved. Contact us | Disclaimer | Privacy